Prevalence of childhood diabetes in an urban population in south India.

The objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence of insulin-dependent diabetes in children less than or equal to 15 years in an urban area in south India, by a population study. Three zones from the northeastern part of the city demarcated by the Directorate of Census were chosen. Ascertainment of the cases from these zones was made (a) by collecting data from the major hospitals and diabetes clinics by personal visit; (b) by questionnaire sent to medical practitioners in the area; and (c) from the chemists and druggists who sell insulin. Recommendations of the Diabetes Epidemiology Research International Registry Group were used. Thirty children with insulin-dependent diabetes with age at diagnosis less than or equal to 15 years were identified. The prevalence was 0.26/1000. The peak age at diagnosis was 12 years. This first population-based study of prevalence of insulin-dependent diabetes in south India shows that insulin-dependent diabetes is not rare. It is higher than reported from many other Asian countries.